PURPOSE : The Conclusion of a Protocol on the fishing off the coast of the Cote d'Ivoire between the EEC and the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire.
PROPOSED ACT : Council Regulation.
CONTENT : On 30 June 2003 the Protocol to the Fisheries Agreement between the EC and the Republic of the Cote d'Ivoire expired. Likewise on 30 June 2004 an Agreement extending the Protocol expired. When re-negotiating the terms of the Protocol the Joint Committee accepted the need to amend the provisions of the Protocol to take account of the new fisheries policy overall and in particular relations towards non-member countries. The new Protocol, which was initialled in Brussels on 3 March 2004, covers a period of three years from 1 July 2004 to 30 June 2007. It grants fishing opportunities on an annual basis amounting to 1 300 GT per month on average each year for demersal trawlers, for 34 tuna seiners, 11 surface longliners and 3 pole-and-line tuna vessels. The financial contribution is EUR 1 065 000 per year. In addition, both sides have agreed:
- On the need to concentrate efforts on control, monitoring and on scientific research to promote a sustainable fisheries policy.
- The setting up of a scientific committee to monitor fisheries resources. And,
- A new exclusivity clause and social clause.
The Commission proposes that the Council adopt the Protocol on the basis of a Regulation. The provisional application of the new Protocol will be based on a draft Council Decision, pending it definitive entry into force, which is the subject of a separate procedure.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
- Budget lines and headings: 110301 (ex B78000) : International Fishing Protocols; 11010404 (ex B78000A) : International Fishing Protocols - Expenditure on administrative management.
- Overall figures: Total allocation for action (Part B) a minimum of EUR 3.424.125 and a maximum of EUR 6.619.125 in commitment appropriation and payment appropriations.
- Period of application: 01/07/2004 – 30/06/2007.
- Overall financial impact of human resources and other administrative expenditure: A total of three full time staff, of which 1 grade A, 1 grade B and 1 grade C and two part-time staff.